Today the Vancouver Folk Music Festival Society Board of Directors announced the departure of Linda Tanaka as the festival's artistic managing director.

"Linda has been at the helm of the VFMF for ten years, during which time she has been an incredible champion for the festival, as well as for the artists who join us each summer at Jericho Beach Park," reads a statement issued by the festival. "Under her leadership, the festival has continued to evolve as one of this city's most recognized and beloved annual cultural events-named the 'Best Local Music Festival' by the Georgia Straight six years in a row-and we look forward to building upon the strong legacy she leaves behind."

According to the announcement, Tanaka is returning to Salmon Arm, where she founded the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival in 1991 and acted as its artistic director until 2008.